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Dumpit and Scarper costs Barnsley woman in court

13 June 2018

A Barnsley woman is facing a hefty bill for a fly tipping offence following an appearance at Barnsley Magistrates Court on Thursday 7 June 2018.

Kimberley Sanderson of Silkstone View, Hoyland, pleaded guilty to a householder ‘duty of care’ offence under Section 34 (2A) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, after using an unknown and unauthorised person to dispose of her household waste.

Ms Sanderson approached a ‘man with a van’ and paid him to remove the waste from her home, assuming it would be disposed of responsibly. She did not ask to see a waste carriers licence and did not get a receipt for the transaction. The waste which included carpets, large cushions, cardboard boxes and beer cans was later found dumped at the entrance to a field on Woodhead Lane, Blacker Hill on Thursday 7 December 2017.

Ms Sanderson was fined £100 and costs of £210, totalling £310. The court heard that she was sincerely sorry for what had happened and hates fly tipping, but she had been gullible and had not fulfilled her responsibilities as the owner of the waste.

Cllr Jenny Platts, Cabinet Spokesperson for Communities said: “This case shows how important it is to be sure that your waste is being disposed of correctly, even when you’re paying someone else to do it. Always ask to see their waste carriers licence and make a note of the number which you can check with the Environment Agency. You should also ask for an invoice or receipt.

“There’s no excuse for fly tipping. Most people in Barnsley do dispose of their waste responsibly, but a small minority are spoiling our countryside and local area. Through our #EverybodyThink campaign to protect the environment we’re telling people about the right ways to get rid of waste and unwanted items.”

Visit www.barnsley.gov.uk/EverybodyThink for more information on the council’s household waste recycling centres and large item collection service.